It's widely recognized that vitamin D plays an important role in bone health. Dogs, cats and humans normally acquire their vitamin D through dietary sources. Humans can also synthesize vitamin D with skin exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight). In addition to bone health, the role of vitamin D i...

Like their human counterparts, it's not uncommon for some pets with complicated medical issues to require several medications as part of their treatment plan. Drug-drug interactions are well documented in human medicine, and many of the recommendations made for our companion animals are based o...

Your 6-year-old cat has been to the vet 3 times in the past 2 months for a GI problem with no clear diagnosis and you feel strongly that it's time for a second opinion from a specialist. Many pet owners feel that this request will be an affront to their current trusted general vet. Just remember you...

Watching your dog or cat go through a seizure is a very scary experience. Owners may at first think that their animal is choking or having a stroke or heart attack. The animal may merely exhibit a blank stare or the shaking / convulsions of a grand mal seizure. You may observe loss of consciousness,...

Diabetes melliitus (DM) is commonly seen in dogs and cats. This condition develops when the body is not capable of producing enough insulin or when the body cannot respond to insulin in a normal fashion. Insulin is a hormone that allows the cells of the body to take in glucose for energy. The m...

It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of pet owners find a trip to the veterinarian's office stressful - largely because they believe that their dog or cat does not like going to the vet. Pets that fear the veterinarian's office can often react as if in a state of crisis. They may become very diff...

Nearly 1 million animals suffer from snakebites annually in the U.S., and mortality rates are unnecessarily high for pets injured in this way. By understanding immediate action steps and the treatment options available, veterinary professionals and pet owners can aid the affected pet's recovery and...

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly used in low carbohydrate products, sugar-free gums and candy, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. Xylitol use has become very popular over the past few years, especially in human diabetic patients and others seeking alternatives to sugar in their diet. There i...